Just looking for some input on a tow vehicle selection. I really am only interested in the Chevy/GM product line (no offense to Dodge/Ford people, just personal preference). Test drove a 2500HD yesterday and while it was a nice truck the ride was not what I had hoped for. Figuring 90% of the time the boat will not be on the back I'M not sure if I want to sacrifice the ride. Anyone have any experience that can compare the ride of these three vehicles? What about the power with the 6.0 Litre to tow 7000 lbs. plus?

Well, I can't help you in comparing, but in 99 I saw a regular 2500 Silverado and had to have it. So I only got the 3 door. It has the 6.0 and a 373. I have had none of the problems anyone talked about woth the 6.0. I only pull a Baja 272 which is mid 4,000 lbs plus the trailer, but it pulls it like it's not even there. It rolls along the tollway with the boat very nicely at 90. I can even find you a very nice Illinois State Trooper to verify the speed for ya . Fuel economy is eh,,,,, I get 16 with no boat on the tollway 10-12 with the boat on the tollway, and right around 10 running around town. Not good,,, not bad. I like the ride unloaded and loaded. Hope that helps. Yea,,, and as far as the 1500 HD,,, can anyone explain the purpose of that !!!???

1500 hd I have a 2000 chevy 2500 4x4 6.0 with 4.10 rear and a 3'' lift with 285 75 16 on 16x10's with a programmer, k&n, and flowmasters and it runs strong and pulls about 7200 lbs with ease but I get 12 mpg highway and 11 in town and 8 towing, I think my gears make my highway mileage suffer but I would never give them up

The 1500HD is rated to tow up to 10,800 lbs with the 6.0, 4.10 rear and regular cab.
As you move up in vehicle weight, ie. extended cab and crew cab the tow weight comes down a little. example the extended cab can pull 10,300.

Like you said, the boat wont be on the back 90% of the time so I would say the 1500 would be able to meet your needs with plenty of room to spare.

I bought a 2500. I love it, (except for the gas mileage). For a p/u, it doesn't ride bad in my opinion. Again, for a p/u.

DAVE

I run the 3500 with the Duramax and the Allison, in an ext. cab...what a nice truck..rides very well for a dually and the motor is quite. Pull the little race boat around like I forgot it at the marina. I pull upto 16,000 boats and Hostar trailer up and down the coast. It sure beats the hell out of that dodge we had!

I would spring for at least the 2500 just to get the larger axles,tranny, brakes frame etc. unless you will trade or sell before the warranty goes up. It's cheap insurance when you will be towing. The parts are significantly beefier even though the tow ratings and price increase is minimal. good luck!

26ZX,
I just purchased a new 1500HD GMC and absolutely love it. The purpose of the 1500? Well...it's the only way to get a crew cab without getting the 2500HD. GM makes the 2500 and the 2500HD but does not offer the crew cab in the regular 2500. I'm guessing they just matched up the "HD Series" and wanted to have a model in each size. The ride is still pretty stiff in the 1500 but it is much better than the 2500HD as I did test-drive both. The long wheelbase makes for a nice comfortable ride and I can't wait to pull the boat behind. From what I've heard the 1500HD uses the 3/4 ton suspension and/or springs but I'm not sure about that! So far this truck is much thirstier than my 2000GMC Extended cab 1/2 ton Z71. We still have less than 1000 miles on it and we're getting about 13 so far. This truck has ALOT more power than the old 1/2 ton but off the line the old 1/2 ton was MUCH quicker. Planning on getting the Gibson swept side exhaust and K&N FIPK when they become available. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!!!

Dave

Dave1972, I have only seen a couple 1500HD's with none available to test drive. Were you able to find out if, as previously stated, the axles, etc. were upgraded to the 2500 series?
For those that have the 2500 or any late model Chevy "extended" cab (not crew) how bad is it to sit in the back seat for a ride from say Chicago to LOTO? That will be our longest tow with family in back. I really don't want to get to the end of the block and start hearing "Are we there Yet?".

26ZX Donzi,
I have a 2500HD Crewcab with a D-max and use it everyday for business, driving from account to account. I love the truck. It is still a truck and has that bouncy ride. I did compare it to the Fords and the ride was comparable. I have 9,000 miles on it so far and have gotten use to the ride.
I would buy at least a 2500 for towing unless the 1500HD has the larger brakes. Test-drive the D-max. I'll never go back to gas for towing. I'm getting 15.8 city mileage, not towing. The only downside for the Chevy’s is the cheap sun visors. They don't come close to covering the side windows. I am going to replace them with a pair from a Suburban.
Dan

Test drive a 2500HD with the
Allison transmission. Best
thing that ever happened to
to towing. Be sure to get
disc brakes on the rear.
Tell the dealer you want to pull your boat on the test drive. He shouldn't mind.